On Monday, teachers will return to their schools to begin another year. Students will return on Aug. 20.

Just how important are our teachers? From the time students begin preschool or kindergarten until they graduate from high school, their lives will revolve around a teacher or administrator. Every field in life — lawyer, doctor, CEO of a big company, or an every-day laborer — begins with the first day of school.

So to each parent, grandparent or guardian, I want to say this one thing: When school begins, meet with your child’s teacher to see what is going on in his or her education.

Don’t be so quick to blame the teacher if something goes wrong. Each day our teachers are faced with challenges and problems they must solve, while providing students with a good education and a good learning environment in the classroom.

While most job are 8-to-5, teachers’ jobs don’t end at the end of the day or on the weekend. Their time is spent planning lessons, grading papers, etc.

I recently read in "Sound Off" where someone said they would be glad when school started so they could get rid of their "brats." Remember this, parents: Teachers are there to teach, not to administer discipline to your children.

This year, instead of cursing the teachers or calling them on the carpet, take some time to get to know the teachers, and say to them, "I thank you and appreciate what you are doing for my child."

IDA JOWERS

Grand Bay 

Be considerate of those who live near schools 

Teachers, parents and students have been making plans for some changes in Mobile’s schools. One change is the merging of Spencer and Westlawn elementary schools.

While considering the preparations for welcoming students to their new or newly decorated environments, I would ask administrators and parents to consider the neighbors of their respective schools.

For those attending Spencer-Westlawn on Ralston Road, their school is located in the middle of a neighborhood. We welcome our new students and will watch out for those who walk to and from school to make sure they are not harassed on their commute.

My street, Ralston Road, is turned to one-way during the school year between the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Please do not inconvenience my comings and goings by blocking both lanes in front of the school during those times.

Several times I have sat in traffic at the school — sometimes 20 to 30 minutes — because both lanes were blocked and neither the drivers nor the crossing guard would clear a lane for through traffic.

The other request I have is that our children be taught basic respect for others and their property. Please don’t cross my yard to get to another street, or deposit your trash in my yard.

Use your manners and learn to care for the environment as well.

LINDA WALTON

Mobile 

Her father never gave in to union’s demands 

In response to Capt. John McElhaney’s letter of July 20, titled "Bottom line: Unions will destroy companies," during my growing-up years in Pennsylvania, my father worked as a welder for Westinghouse in Lester, Pa. He was not a union member, nor did he want to be one.

Even so, he recounted the times when he was trying to do his job and was harassed by the union bosses to join the union. When the union went on strike, he would go to work, only to find that he would not be allowed to cross the picket lines into the plant to do his job.

The union wanted to strike and would allow no one else to work.

Countless times I remember my mother being frantic with worry about where the money was going to come from to pay the bills. It was those times that I remember my father hoofing it and finding any kind of job to put some bread on the table.

I am so proud of my father. He knew and lived the work ethic. He also never gave in to union demands to join up with them.

As Capt. McElhaney said, "Thank God we live in a right-to-work state."